Police fire tear gas at protesters as an unlawful rally turns violent in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, July 27, 2019. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

On Monday, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) – the city’s largest political party in the Legislative Council – condemned radical protesters for the illegal assembly and violent acts that occurred the previous day, stating that the escalating violence posed serious threats to the safety of police officers and nearby residents.

“We have zero tolerance for any violence,” the DAB reiterated, adding that it hopes for reason to return to the city

On Sunday evening, violent clashes between police and radical protesters erupted in Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan. Rioters hurled bricks and stones. Some poured what was suspected to be corrosive liquids and used a crossbow to shoot metal marbles at police officers. Fires were also lit on the streets.

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A protest also took place in Yuen Long on Saturday despite being deemed an illegal assembly by the police. The area was gripped by tension for more than seven hours. Some protesters pried bricks and dismantled metal railings from the sidewalks to attack the police.

The DAB said that during the illegal rallies on Hong Kong Island on Sunday and in Yuen Long on Saturday, protestors’ actions showed that they deliberately jeopardized the public order, trampled the rule of law and challenged the police force’s authority.

“We have zero tolerance for any violence,” the DAB reiterated, adding that it hopes for reason to return to the city.

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Noting that the police force should take decisive actions to prevent continuing violence, the DAB said it firmly supports the police force in safeguarding the public order and safety in accordance with the law.